Lenovo CES Assault: Miix 2 10 tablet, Yoga 2, and Flex Laptops

Windows 8 really comes alive with hardware built for its unique UI. After scoring some early success with the original Yoga, Lenovo is pushing farther into new form factors for Microsoft’s OS.

A new consumer variant of the Yoga 2 will feature 11 and 13 inch displays. The 11 will be powered by a lower power Intel Pentium processor, while the 13 steps up to a Core i5. Both rock the same swivel hinge which can flip the laptop screens around into full tablet PC’s. I’m really stoked to see the orange lid return from the Yoga 2 Pro. A nice touch of branding for a company mostly known for Thinkpads.

The Miix 2 is one of the more sought after mini-tablets for Windows 8 users. Now the Miix line is expanding with 10” and 11” slates. The 10 has an Intel Atom quad core and 2GB of RAM. The 11 will step up to a Core i5 with up to 8GB of RAM, and both are sporting 1080p LCDs.

What’s most exciting about these new Miix tablets are their keyboard docks. The angular edges on the tablets allows for three creative combinations. First, latching the keyboard and screen shut like a closed laptop, sliding the tablet upright allows for a traditional notebook setup, and turning the screen around provides the “Stand Mode” option found on several of Lenovo’s hybrids. Miix 2 looks like it could be the best of both worlds, tablet when you want portability, laptop when you need to get more work done, something of an in-between kiosk mode when you want to watch movies.

For those wanting a more “normal” laptop, the Flex 14 and 15 are fairly stock mid-range Windows Ultrabooks. 14 and 15 inch (1366×768) screens powered by AMD mobile quad cores, AMD Graphics, and up to 8GB of RAM. Of course, this being Lenovo, they aren’t completely “normal”. They don’t include the Yoga’s flexibility, so you’ll miss out on that tablet mode, but the keyboard can be flipped around for the “Stand Mode”. I find it’s helpful when computing and eating as crumbs don’t land on the keyboard.

We’re seeing some really solid options from Lenovo for a variety of price points and usage needs.

Full PR below:

Lenovo Adds More Convertibles and Detachable Devices to Multimode Computing Roster New Four, Three and Two Mode Products Give Consumers Wide Range of Choices

LAS VEGAS – January 6, 2014: Multimode computing leader Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show announced new additions to its multimode product lineup with the MIIX 2, a detachable three-mode laptop; the YOGA 2, a smarter convertible laptop with four unique modes; and the Flex 14D and 15D, dual mode convertible laptops that give consumers incredible value.

The 10-in and 11-in models of the MIIX 2 turn heads for their detachable design featuring Laptop, Stand and Tablet Modes. The YOGA 2 advances the original YOGA laptop’s reputation for its 360° flip and fold design but now with more advanced specifications and at mainstream prices. Based on the original Flex convertible laptops, the new Flex 14D and 15D give users the same great Laptop and Stand modes but now with up to AMD A6 quad core processor technology and AMD Radeon™ graphics.

Expanding Multimode Design with MIIX 2 Detachables Recognizing that one design doesn’t fit all, the MIIX 2 gives people a different way to enjoy the benefits of multimode computing with its unique detachable design. MIIX 2 gives users the freedom to take only the touchscreen tablet when they’re on the go, and then connect back to the base for a full Windows 8.1 laptop experience when they need it. In Laptop Mode, they can use this form factor for a great combination of screen real estate with a full-size keyboard. Then they can simply turn the tablet 180° and insert it into the keyboard base to engage MIIX 2’s third mode, Stand Mode, to watch movies or view photos.

Ultraportable 10-in Perfectly sized for mobility, the 10-in MIIX 2 features extreme portability with industry-leading thinness at just 0.36-in and weighing just 1.3lbs. Running the new 64-bit enabled quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor and Windows 8.1, it offers users an ideal blend of portability and entertainment features with its FHD 1920×1200 10-finger touchscreen display, WiFi and optional 3G1, JBL surround speakers for rich, immersive audio, up to 128 GB of eMMC storage along with a micro SD slot for adding up to 32 GB of music, movies, photos and other data. Users can capture mobile memories with its 720p high resolution 2 MP front and 5 MP rear cameras. And thanks to its all day battery life, users can work and play longer on one charge.

Performance-Focused 11-in While the 10-in MIIX 2 optimizes for extreme mobility, the 11-in model focuses on delivering a higher level of performance with its up to 4th generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor, greater storage up to 256GB of fast solid state drive storage and a FHD 1920×1200 IPS wide-view display. The MIIX 11-in also comes equipped with many of the same leading features of the smaller 10-in model starting with Windows 8.1 with 10-finger touch support and also with WiFi and optional 3G1, JBL® speakers, high resolution front and rear cameras and long battery life for all day computing.

Both models of the Silver Grey MIIX 2 make connecting, storing and moving content easy with their mini HDMI port to display content on larger screens, an SD card reader, micro USB port and micro SD cards along with USB 2.0 support on the keyboard.

YOGA 2 and Flex 14/15D Go Mainstream & Expand Consumer-Friendly Features YOGA, the convertible laptop line that set the mold for multimode computing, continues to refine its consumer-friendly features with YOGA 2, giving users its trendsetting design with new smart software functionality at a more affordable mainstream price starting at $529 (11-in model). YOGA 2 also gets smarter with more apps for YOGA Picks, Lenovo’s unique concierge-like service that recommends specific apps based on YOGA 2’s mode. Users will continue to love its Laptop, Stand, Tent and Tablet Modes but now in a more compact package with enhanced specifications.

The 11-in model measures just 0.67-in thin, weighs 2.9lbs and features up to the brand new quad- core Intel® Pentium® processors for quick performance. Users can store lots of personal media files including photos, movies and games with its 500 GB HDD.

The larger, more workhorse 13-in model is 0.68-in thin, weighs 3.5lbs and features up to 4th generation Intel Core i5 processors, a backlit keyboard as well as a Full HD (1920×1080) display. It also offers plenty of storage for important data with up to 500 GB HDD or SSHD. For the YOGA 2, Lenovo offers a portfolio of integrated services solutions including warranty extensions, warranty upgrades, accident damage protection and premium technical support.

The new Flex 14D and 15D convertible laptops further expand Lenovo’s multimode convertible laptop selection by providing extreme value for the performance with up to AMD A6 quad core processors and AMD Radeon™ graphics. The Flex 14D and 15D offer consumers two great modes – Laptop and Stand – in one device. They serve as full performance laptops when needed, or with a 180° flip, they turn into a fun way to experience the latest in entertainment with Dolby® Advanced Audio™ v2 and all day battery life.

For all the new products, Lenovo offers a portfolio of integrated services solutions including warranty extensions and upgrades, premium technical support and accident damage protection.

Quote “With our detachable MIIX 2 and convertible YOGA 2 and Flex devices, people no longer have to choose between a laptop or tablet. Our multimode products give them the best of both laptop and tablet worlds plus even new modes that make it better and easier to interact and watch their personal digital content,” said David Roman, chief marketing officer, Lenovo. “Now the only decision they have to make is choosing which Lenovo multimode product they prefer – one that flips and folds or one that detaches.”

Lenovo’s elegant next generation of 2 in 1 devices open up entirely new ways for people to connect, share, work and play,” said Navin Shenoy, vice president and general manager of the Mobile Client Platform Division at Intel Corporation. “With powerful Intel processors, products like the MIIX 2 deliver the right balance of long battery life and amazing performance so people can stay productive whether they’re using it as a tablet or laptop.”

Pricing and Availability2 Models of the Lenovo MIIX 2 convertible laptop start at $499 for the 10-in model and $699 for the 11- in model. The 10-in model will be available beginning in March. The 11-in model will be available starting in April. They will be sold via major retailers and www.lenovo.com. Models of the YOGA 2 13-in start at $999 and are available beginning in February at Best Buy, Best Buy Canada, Future Shop and www.lenovo.com. Models of the YOGA 2 11-in start at $529 and are available beginning in late January at Best Buy, Best Buy Canada, Future Shop, and www.lenovo.com. Both models of the Flex14D and 15D start at $499 and are available beginning December 2013 via major retailers and www.lenovo.com.

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook. The press kit is available at: http://news.lenovo.com/CES2014.

About Lenovo Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$34 billion personal technology company – the largest PC maker worldwide and an emerging PC Plus leader – serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea- branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company, has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.

1Available on select models in select regions. Requires a data plan purchased separately from a carrier and not included with the device. 2Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice.